Six Experts Discuss the State of Anatomic Pathology LIS Systems

Editor's Note: This article references a February 2023 CAP Today roundtable discussion. While the specific issue is now dated, the topics covered, cloud vs. on-premises LIS system server options, open API integration, digital pathology, staffing shortages, and post-pandemic lab consolidation, all remain highly relevant to the challenges facing anatomic pathology labs and laboratory information system vendors today.

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The February 2023 issue of CAP Today featured publisher Bob McGonnagle and his roundtable discussion with five laboratory information system vendors and John Sinard, MD, PhD, of the Yale School of Medicine. For those who may have missed the discussion, the link below provides full access.

CAP Today Roundtable Link: Doing more for less and with less - Turning to IT

The roundtable covered a wide range of topics, including the future of cloud-based laboratory information system (LIS) software and what anatomic pathology LIS organizations should consider for security and data storage before potentially moving their LIS software solutions from on-premises servers.

Industry Insights: Examining the Pros and Cons of Cloud-Based LIS System Solutions

Weighing Laboratory Information System Server Options

LigoLab CEO Suren Avunjian participated in the discussion, noting that it will take considerable time for larger laboratories to fully migrate their LIS laboratory information system functions and data to the cloud, primarily because they are more comfortable keeping data on-site.

For smaller organizations, a cloud-based server supporting medical LIS software is often the more prudent choice, given the high cost of building an in-house data center and an IT department to manage it. In the near term, Avunjian believes LigoLab and other like-minded LIS healthcare companies should continue to offer both options to their customer bases. 

Discover More: Automation in Pathology Labs Using Advanced LIS System Software

The Future of Pathology Lab Report Software Post-Pandemic 

Organizers also asked the six industry experts to assess the overall health of pathology practices and molecular LIS laboratories as they transition from the high-volume COVID testing that defined everyday life during the pandemic.

Key Trends Identified by the Panel

The panel noted increases in the use of modern anatomical pathology software and sustained interest in molecular LIS testing beyond SARS-CoV-2. Consolidation of laboratory space was also discussed, along with growing interest in revenue-sharing programs, such as TC/PC splits.

Other topics included the shortage of pathologists and the desire for laboratory information system software specifically designed for pathology and its subspecialties.

Discover  More: A Scalable Solution for Molecular LIS Testing Labs

Lab Pathology Software, Interoperability, and Digital Pathology Solutions

The Rise of Open APIs

The panel asked Avunjian to comment on application programming interfaces. He noted a noticeable uptick in the past couple of years, with both prospects and current customers requesting open APIs and moving away from reporting results solely via HL7. He said this trend will continue to grow and that laboratory information system vendors, such as LigoLab, must continue to engineer LIS systems that model the reality of each testing discipline and connect seamlessly across all LIS lab departments.

Digital Pathology and New CPT Codes

Dr. Sinard commented on training for pathologists and lab techs before the discussion turned to digital pathology. The panel also examined the CPT codes associated with this new and growing laboratory workflow management process.

Industry Insights: Digital Pathology Redefined - Uniting AI, Viewers, and a Robust LIS System for a Seamless Workflow

Predicting the Next Trends in Pathology Lab Software

McGonnagle closed the roundtable by asking all six panelists whether pathology departments would be in better or worse shape in three years. All six struck an optimistic tone. Avunjian, in particular, suggested that pathology groups will succeed through both differentiation and strong partnerships with laboratory information system companies that continue to push the envelope in features and functionality. 

Discover More: The Role of Anatomic Pathology Software in Optimizing Laboratory Workflow Management

Learning More About the State of the LIS System Software Market

For pathology lab management colleagues interested in learning more about what a modern LIS medical solution, such as the LigoLab Informatics Platform, can offer, the white paper linked below provides a comprehensive comparison. 

White Paper: Comparing LigoLab Informatics Platform with Legacy Laboratory Information System Software

Modernizing Medical Labs: The LigoLab Approach to Innovation

"Today's medical labs must embrace modern technologies and best practices to boost productivity, streamline operations, enhance customer relationships, and maximize value." - Suren Avunjian, LigoLab CEO 

Defining Innovation

The term "innovation" has been overused by some laboratory information system companies. It has become a buzzword devoid of real substance. Yet truly innovative lab information system technology is exactly what the medical community, especially clinical labs and pathology groups, urgently need. Labs face serious external threats, including record-high sample volumes, reimbursement cuts, complex payer rules, increased competition, rising supply costs, and a shortage of skilled personnel.

LigoLab’s Foundational Vision for Pathology Lab Software

LigoLab was founded in 2006 to address these challenges with an unwavering commitment to innovation and customer partnership. This focus emerged from the founders' experiences in scaling a successful business that eventually became the largest privately held lab in California. They launched LigoLab as a customer-funded venture, enabling the LIS company to prioritize client needs over shareholder interests and to innovate continuously without external investor pressure.

Discover More: Shaping the Future of Clinical Labs & Pathology Groups

Commitment to Continuous LIS Pathology Innovation

Relentless Development

"Investing over 50 percent of revenue into research and development is how we stay at the forefront," said Avunjian. LigoLab releases three to four new features daily, ensuring that customers have the tools and flexibility to adapt to ever-changing environments. This relentless focus on customer needs helps labs improve functionality, automation, sample tracking, and scalability, setting them apart from those relying on outdated laboratory information systems.

Free Lab Information System Updates and Dedicated Support

Since its inception, LigoLab has offered lab information system upgrades at no cost with unlimited modules and user access, eliminating hidden fees. Updates are available through a user-friendly “Version Release” button embedded within the all-in-one informatics platform. Customers can choose whether to adopt quarterly updates, with mandatory upgrades only after two years to maintain compliance.

The Support team performs updates overnight to ensure zero disruption to lab operations, and LigoLab includes compliance-driven modifications at no additional cost.

Discover More: Unleashing Laboratory Excellence - Here’s How LigoLab’s Automation Engine Supercharges Lab Performance

Utilizing Three Dedicated Environments

LigoLab's all-in-one medical LIS and lab billing platform features three environments: Testing, Training, and Production. All three ensure smooth, validated updates. New features are first rolled out in the Testing environment, then transferred to Training for customer validation, before finally being deployed to Production. This rigorous process guarantees that new laboratory information system functions are reliable and ready for real-world use.

Discover More: Transforming Patient Care: The Power of Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) in Healthcare

Setting the Standard for Pathology LIS Systems

LigoLab's focus on customer-centric LIS software innovation has set new standards for pathology lab management. By prioritizing customer needs and fostering strong partnerships, LigoLab continues to transform traditional lab practices, enabling modern labs to thrive in an increasingly complex landscape.

"Innovation means reimagining lab operations to meet current challenges and future needs," Avunjian emphasized. For LigoLab, this is more than a slogan; it's a mission to drive meaningful change in the lab industry.

Ready to See What Modern LIS Innovation Looks Like?

Schedule a personalized LigoLab demo with a product specialist today!

Act Now: Contact a LigoLab Product Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions About Anatomic Pathology Software, LIS Systems, and Lab Innovation

What topics were covered in the CAP Today roundtable on anatomic pathology LIS systems?

The February 2023 roundtable covered cloud versus on-premises LIS server options, the post-pandemic state of pathology and molecular LIS testing, interoperability and open APIs, digital pathology and new CPT codes, pathologist staffing shortages, and predictions for the future of pathology lab software.

What did LigoLab's CEO say about cloud-based LIS software?

Suren Avunjian noted that larger laboratories will take considerable time to fully transition to cloud-based LIS systems because of their comfort with keeping data on-premises. For smaller labs, cloud-based solutions are often more practical given the high cost of building in-house data centers. He recommended that LIS vendors continue offering both options in the near term.

How is the post-pandemic lab landscape changing for pathology and molecular LIS testing?

The roundtable panel noted increases in testing for anatomical pathology software and sustained interest in molecular LIS testing beyond COVID-19. Lab consolidation is also growing, along with interest in revenue-sharing models such as TC/PC splits between labs.

Why is open API integration becoming more important for LIS systems?

Avunjian noted a clear uptick in demand for open APIs as labs move away from relying solely on HL7 for result reporting. LIS systems must be able to model the unique reality of each testing discipline and connect seamlessly across all lab departments to remain competitive.

How does LigoLab approach continuous LIS software innovation?

LigoLab reinvests more than half of its revenue into research and development, enabling a rapid pace of innovation with new features released daily. Customers receive LIS software upgrades at no additional cost, with no hidden fees. Updates are deployed overnight to ensure laboratory operations remain uninterrupted. 

What are LigoLab's three dedicated software environments, and why do they matter?

LigoLab provides Testing, Training, and Production environments for every customer. New features are validated in the Testing environment, confirmed by customers in Training, and deployed to Production only then, ensuring reliability and minimizing disruption during every update cycle.

What is LigoLab's origin story and founding philosophy?

LigoLab was founded in 2006 by leaders who had previously scaled the largest privately held lab in California. They launched LigoLab as a customer-funded venture specifically to avoid external investor pressure. This enabled the LIS company to prioritize long-term client success and continuous innovation over short-term shareholder returns.